cv mri research center

Cardiovascular MRI & CT research efforts
have relocated to Washington, DC

Previous research took place at:
the MetroHealth System in
Cleveland, OH. (2007-2008)

at
Forsyth Medical Center (FMC)
and
Imaging Centers of FRA in
North Carolina (2004-2006)

Innovative research projects leading to new clinical services are performed in this facility. Research efforts are done in conjunction with our Howard University partners: Sickle cell disease center, Molecular Imaging laboratory (nano particles), Bariatric surgery units, and others.

Participation in national research trials:
RESCUE Trial
The American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) has been awarded a grant by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to compare the outcomes of participants with stable angina randomized to one of two imaging exams as the initial method for diagnosing coronary artery disease:
· Cardiac CT angiography (CCTA): participants randomized to Group A· Single photon emission tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI): participants randomized to Group B
The primary hypothesis of the ACRIN 4701 trial entitled “RESCUE: A Randomized Evaluation of Patients with Stable Angina Comparing Utilization of Noninvasive Examinations” is that CCTA will result in better and more cost-effective treatment stratification of patients with stable angina in comparison to SPECT MPI.

Medical students at Howard University College of Medicine are also involved via the Radiology Research group (RRG) which meets on Mondays at 5 PM (check schedules).

Medical students have presented talks / posters at the RSNA 2009, such as:
Myocardial Iron Overload: Why Is It Important and How to Measure It? Vinay Bhatia et al.

MRI

We are equipped with new 3.0 Tesla MR imagers (General Electric)

The following new MR imaging protocols are being used and / or under
investigation or under consideration:
-Coronary MR angiography
-Cardiac functional and viability studies using MRI
-Pulmonary embolism detection using MRI
-Detection of blood clots in the legs (DVT) by MRI
-The use of new MR Contrast agents and blood pool agents,
including ones from GE Healthcare-Nycomed and EPIX and BRACCO
-The Safety of Contrast agents
-Renal and carotid MR angiography
- High and low resolution MR angiography
- Plaque characterization using MRI

CT
We have two new 64-slice GE cardiac CT scanner ;
the following CT protocols are being investigated:
-Clinical utility of Coronary CT Angiography (both as a preventive cardiology tool and as a diagnostic tool);
-Cardiac CT anatomy
-Safety and efficacy of iso-osmoloar contrast agents in patients with diabetes and renal failure (sponsored by GE Healthcare)

We routinely perform these specialized Cardiac CT/CTA and MRI / MRA studies for patients.

We also offer hands-on Cardiovascular MRI and CT Training programs.

For more information and / or to learn how to perform such
MRI studies, please contact us via e-mail.

Last Update: March 05, 2011 and June 18, 2005